The Kingdom of Light, The Kingdom of Night (DoctorRed x Uriel Seraphim)

[Uriel Seraphim]

The Kingdom of Light, The Kingdom of Night



"Within Carparthia, two kingdoms have thrived in their chaos and eternal struggles to find harmony.

Nestled between large open plains, Terra, The Kingdom of Light, is a nation devoted to all that is powerful, enlightened and captivating. They have built their nation on the wealth of nobles, the hard work of its citizens and the backs of slaves.  Its people have always been the burning passion to Lumara's silent grace and wish to one day possess the knowledge they have been able to acquire within their solitude. For as long as they have existed, Carparthia has hailed Terra as being the home of the greatest Knights and Warriors throughout history and have the widest variety of religious affiliations in Carparthia.  

Hidden within the depths of a mighty forest, Lumara, The Kingdom of Night, has built is a nation devoted to nature, modesty and the subtlety of beauty. Lumara was built on determination, equality and prosperity. Its people have always been the calm to Terra's unbridled energy and wish for nothing more than to coexist along side of them, working together for the good of all creatures inhabiting Carparthia. Lumara is best known for its people's level of education and affinity with both living creatures and natural elements.

There has been an age old war between the two Kingdoms for what has seemed like an eternity, causing both nations to suffer unnecessary hardships and losses. In response to Terra's initial attack, claiming their right to half their land as it was once said to belong to their ancestors, the people of Lumara withered Terra's crops and called all wild beasts to their forests in order to guard and protect that which was most precious to their culture: the peace. In response, Terra was forced to trade their advanced weaponry with other countries in order to import the amount of food necessary to feed their people. Lumara's import and export trade was demolished, causing strife to her people as their libraries no longer flourished in size, crafting techniques could no longer be shared, and became unable to send their healing remedies to her sister countries, causing disease and famine to spread throughout the far North, a set of Kingdoms previously allied with both countries but have now renounced all ties.  

Thirty years have passed, and after many years of negotiation between the Kingdoms, have decided a binding of bloods would be the only way to connect the countries once and for all. However, The Princes of Terra, an arrogant but skilled General in his own right, refuses to marry a woman unskilled in the ways of battle and pleasure. The Princess of Lumara, a Priestess to her people and powerful elementalist refuses to marry a man who has willingly led attacks against her beloved Kingdom. And just to make matters more difficult, while the Royalty of Lumara are of pure Faye lineage, the Royalty of Terra are pure-bred Centaurs. After a year of constant parental bickering in both Kingdoms, the Prince and Princess have agreed to spend a month in Seraphina, an allied Kingdom hoping to help end this unnecessary war. If the two cannot find some common ground within that time, or still believe it impossible to spend an eternity in one another's company, then no marriage contract will be signed and their countries will continue to wage war until both crumble into ruin.

Rumors have been circulating recently as well, murmurs that there may be more enemies working against the unhappy pair than previously assumed. The Northern Kingdoms, distorted by diseases untreated have grown to hate the Western Kingdoms, wishing more than anything to see them destroy one another. Can the two find a way to save not only their kingdoms, but their own lives as well?"

[Uriel Seraphim]

Eriathiel Arantôraxa, Priestess to the people and rightful heir to the Kingdom of Lumara rode her night steed with elegant grace, her feathered skirt and hooded cloak billowing out as the Northern winds blew through her thick golden tendrils.  Her wings fluttered in response to the gentle tickling, their silver spines glittering against the morning light. Her short lithe form bobbed in gentle harmony with her horse's motions, the small silver coins attached to her white corset jingling as they made their way towards the 'In-Between Docks of Karell', named so for its exact position between Lumara and Terra. She was admittedly frightened, having never seen the outside of Lumara's forest sanctuary before, the swell of her breast and trembling hands stating the issues obviousness. She was to meet her intended on the outskirts, a vile centaur who had led many an attack against her people. She was certain they had done battle before, but as her tactics were not suited for close range combat; it was unlikely he knew it to be she whom protected their boarded with the very elements that governed their world. At last account, she had been informed he thought her ignorant of battle; at that, Eriathiel had scoffed.

Her twelve guards traveled closely by their kingdoms greatest jewel, surrounding her with the sound of heavy hoof beats and clinking armor. No matter how adamant her parents were to have their daughter marry such a man, the Emperor and Empress of Lumara were not so stupid as to allow her to travel such a great distance without the protection of a few loyal guardians. One could not trust the people of Terra to listen to a greater reason, if they had been capable of such a thing, her beloved kingdom would not be in the state it currently was.

Eriathiel did not mind the company, her concerns and ignorance of the greater world were too great for her to travel to such a place without guidance.  She was not a woman too proud to admit her short comings; she had been taught such a thing was left to the evils of Terra. Eriathiel was a creature groomed to embody all that her people believed to be valuable; to be humble in the face of flattery, modest in all that she did, fiercely loyal, a source of religious inspiration and the people's eternal protector. She did not begrudge her position, merely disliked the confines of the expectations her birthright had placed upon her. For the most part, she was a modest and loyal creature. But she had her own doubts about her ability to fulfill the position she had been groomed to inherit.

That said, she was not a woman to be crossed for fear of subtle yet deadly repercussions. She had danced the subtlety of Lumara's defenses and burnt those who dare threaten the safety of her people. Eriathiel was not a creature to accept being treated poorly; not in the least. If this Centaur Prince pushed his luck too far, Eriathiel was certain she could justify slaying him; if not for her own benefit, then for that of her people.

It was then that she caught a glimpse of the centaurs as her party passed over the traitorous hill side and into the slightly patchy plains of Karell. Off in the distances she saw the immensity of their size and gleaming of amour and weapons. Dull stabbing pains hit her low in the stomach, Eriathiel fear getting the better of her. For the next month she was to look upon a creature she had hated as if he were a viable life partner, as if he could be capable of something beyond brutish violence. Even after a year of heated discussion between she and her parents, Eriathiel could not convince herself this Centaur Princes could be capable of the one thing she truly needed him to be: a protector for her country. The thirst for blood was not a momentary desire, and it was one she was certain this boy could not defeat.

[DoctorRed]

The man stood tall, even for his people. His good breeding had been the fruit of many selections throughout the years among his kingdom, where tribes would rise and fall, giving their fillies and stallions up for marriages to strengthen both houses and their peoples power. The man was bred to have the strong legs of his father and the speed and grace his mother had had before passing away, while birthing him.  His fathers torso was much like his, though in his youth the prince had been trained to strengthen both his horse side and his human parts, becoming a more balanced warrior than many of his tribes could ever boast. Thick, corded muscles ran from one section of his body to another, giving him the strength to cross blades with even stronger men, rather than rely on his lower halves' strength. White hair graced his head, tied back tight to keep it away from his face, where deep brown eyes lay, the flickering ears standing like rocks in a white river, jutting up through stubbornly. His fleshy parts were wind-burned and tanned, crisscrossed with scars and burns, with the kisses no woman had given him the way war had.

He'd kept the crimson of his mother that his furry half was made of. The red coursed over the taught muscles as he crested the hill, white hair flowing from the top of his head, down his back in a line, to the waist, where it thickened briefly, and then was missing, until his tail reappeared, the thickly braided white flicking lazily as he surveyed the land below, as he and his bloodriders crested the hill, surveying the thirteen gathered below. They were only five, altogether, but they were each champions in their own right. The prince wondered to himself how many champions she'd brought, or if she'd brought any at all. They all wore their armor well, he admitted. His own men had worn their dully polished metals, blades and bows, while he'd had the sense of chivalry to at least work his body into the gleaming mail and plates that befit a man of his position. It was less functional than he was used to, but it was quality work.

They approached, though under their breaths he heard the japes and had to let himself have half a smile. He carried his open-faced and least favorite helm under his arm as the walked toward the others, his slow gait carrying them as gracefully as going downhill ever could be. They managed it with all the grace that he expected of warriors. He assumed she'd have brought with her nobles, and it was for that reason he'd chosen soldiers. Nobles may look down on the ones who fought their battles, but his captains were men made of better things than the silk-loving fools who counted their coppers behind walls. He looked her over and wondered if the passive mask he'd worn was worth the effort he'd taken in the dawn to create, to keep his distaste for the fey he'd hunted so long at bay in his visage.

Some part of him wanted to tear the longsword from his back  and cut her down where she stood, provoke all out war and just be done with it. His riders had breached the suggestion of summoning a party of raiders to their call and killing her party in whole and attacking the next day, to crush her kingdom. Some parts of him had yearned for it, but still more had begged reason in his heart. Was war all there was to the world? It was all there was to him, that was certain. Even as a child, he'd spent many years learning reading and writing and even done well at them, but nothing held his attention like the swords and warhorns had. He'd even taken up the lute many years ago, playing and playing for hours before he'd discovered the lust of battle.

He'd even had the sense to bring a gift with him to the meeting which he drew from the armored back and opened the package as he neared, ignoring the men she'd brought and striding towards her, stopping a few yards short and opening the parcel carefully in his gloved hands before laying the thing in his arms and kneeling with his forelegs, leaning forward to the most graceful bow his body would ever know. He hated humility and humbleness, but he had been taught better than to let it show. He proffered the gift to her; He'd been good at things other than war. Probably better. He'd brought down a large tree and carved from it a lute and strung it himself. His brothers had helped him decorate the thing and polish the wood carefully, and now it looked more like an instrument than a whittling. He closed his eyes.

"My princess, I bring you the fruit of our travels, and a gift, to start our time together. Music, a chance to quell the rage of war and lay down our warhorns together, I am Takardh Ridarc, The prince of Terra." he said to her, his eyes on the instrument as he held it out, before looking up to her from his position. How he loathed kneeling...

[Uriel Seraphim]

It was the color of her eyes, a golden orange hue which signified the selective nature of her family breeding. Her twelve companions were all of noble birth and carried the gentle touch of yellow in their eyes, but it had not been their birthright which made them viable candidates to protect Eriathiel. Three were elementalists, there to help Eriathiel control her power should she loose her temper with the Centaurs. Four guards rode closest to her, the most skilled warriors her Kingdom dare spear at during this uncertain time. Two were fellow Priestesses and another three were close friend willing to join the company and advise their princess should she ask their council. For all twelve, Eriathiel held great love, an emotion she had been told Centaurs could not understand. It was that fact which had hurt her most of all...

Her parents were determined that she would wed this prince, despite the notion his kind were incapable of feeling more than lust. The one thing her mother had told her to look for in a life partner was love, not breeding or beauty or power... just love. To be condemned to a life of emotional solitude was heartbreaking. No other in her kingdom had to live such a life; no other would be forced to marry against their will. It was when contemplating this subject that Eriathiel felt the childish sentiment of selective and iniquitous injustice. 

Their steeds came to a stop a meter or so away from the six Centaurs; they were glorious beasts Eriathiel supposed, a balanced mixture of man and stallion. For a moment, as the hot morning sun beat down upon them, the prince's hair reminded her of her fathers. White and silver, like moon beams over the Yllaonri River...She could admire beauty, as all Faye could. But it was not the exterior which could win such a woman's heart, her libido perhaps, but never her heart.

She wanted to sneer at the Centaur when he referred to her as 'my princess'. Eriathiel would rather give away her birthright and powers than ever belong to a creature who had violated Lumara's sacred forests. Confusion colored her face then as he held out the hand crafted lute. She had not expected this creature to understand or observe basic honorable traditions, let alone acquire a gift for her. She reached out with an elegant hand and took the offering. "I treasure your offering Prince Takardh." She said with a voice soft as the traveling winds, her head bowed in respect. Eriathiel kissed the lute and tied it to her belt. "I have brought with us a gift, as well." She said. Eriathiel let her hood fall away and reached beneath her long thick curls to unclasp the chain around her neck. "Blessed waters from the River of Yllaonri, to heal the ill feelings between our Kingdoms and rekindle the life of your crops." She removed the small object and cradled it in her hands. "Its healing properties are one of the small treasures my country hopes to send to the Northern Kingdoms in the months to come." She held it to him them, reluctant, as if handing over the broken pieces of her Kingdoms prosperity.  "My name is Eriathiel Arantôraxa, Priestess to the people and rightful heir to the Kingdom of Lumara. It is... a pleasure to meet you, Prince Takardh."

Lumara had received word of the plagues infesting the Northern Kingdoms; she knew her statement would be understood as an insult. The greatest injustice Terra had done to Eriathiel's kingdom was not excluding them from the outside world; it was stopping them from contributing to the prosperity of the greater good. One of the pillars Lumara was founded on was equal prosperity for all, not merely those within their own kingdom. The Northern Kingdoms were brilliant philosophers and scholars, but their health care and knowledge of magic was poor. It was through Lumara that they were able to keep their civilizations thriving in the efforts to understand the world around them, and live long illness-free lives. To destroy that capability, to kill off one of Lumara's proudest accomplishments... they would have been less hateful towards these creatures if they had robed the Faye of their very lives.



(Picture Reference: {http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=0#/d3joaoh})

[DoctorRed]

He rose as she took the lute from him, not bothering to explain to her it's handcrafted quality or the work that had gone into it. He hadn't simply acquired it, but he supposed it didn't really matter. He rose to his hooves and stood, as he took the necklace in his wide palms, marveling a little at the vial of magic water. It was all he could do not to uncork it and spit it in her face. The northern kingdoms? What a joke. He'd seen their men, their 'armies'. He'd fought better battles in a latrine, let alone in the walls to the north, hadn't he? He wasn't sure that something so pliant and easily broken really needed saving, so much as a good trouncing.

She was a gorgeous creature, he saw. He supposed if he must marry something so inexperienced in battle, it may as well be a sight to see, rather than some castle-spoiled human girl, soft and weak in both heart and skin. He wondered to himself whether what his father had told him was true, or if he'd been running him around the entire time. He'd been told she had amazing powers, but to look upon her there was nothing save her beauty that was particularly offsetting. He didn't feel a quickening in his gut when he saw her standing there, the way he had facing other generals or captains. There was no terror flooding his veins as he fought odds that were against him, or on unnatural territory. Perhaps she was some sort of magus, and her power came from within. Even that, he felt was hard to stomach. Could his father really expect him to marry such an aberration? His people were loathe to accept this meeting at all, much less giving up the Kingdoms' oldest son.

There had been talk, for a while, of his younger brother going instead. He was the poet the family had, and everyone said that when he grew up, perhaps he'd lose his horse half and become more of a farie, where he could frolic in the woods and gallivant around, singing and dancing with them. It was his brother who had put an end to the talk, even thought hey all knew that event he Moon kingdom would see that as a grave insult, to send a son lesser than firstborn. He'd taken Takardh by the arm and led him onto the terrace and waved his palm over the land, showing him first the side with the wide plains, where the centaur ruled with might, but he waved his hand in an unbreaking manner across the forests, where the fey were the ones who ruled, behind blackened fields and the line that war had drawn across them.

"You see, brother, the unnatural thing here is the border, between two realms that kiss one another. With peace, the kingdom can flourish, and bear the crest of both sun and moon, just like the earth. Don't you see how much better that would be for our lives? Father and you and my brothers jape about me running wild in the forest with them, but if that were to bring me happiness, would you not let me have that peace, but as an ambassador, and not as an exile?" he'd asked of him. Takardh had sighed softly and nodded. His mission burned into his heart, like the brands that kissed his chest so many years ago, he'd burned with passion for this since then.  His brothers heart had made him open his eye to another option, a unified country. He wasn't sure he'd cope with it. Thereafter, their father had come into the hall and sent his brothers away, speaking to him at length for a time, though Takadh had only eyes for the ground int he middle, scorched by flames and bathed in blood, could someone as brutish and cruel as he hope to plant crops here, and see trees where they'd burned and blackened the earth?

His fingers curled around the jeweled glass as he looked upon her, trying with all his might to quell the feelings that had been beaten into his body for so long as he accepted her gift with grace and clasped the thing around his neck. "I will accept this treasure as I hope to be accepted, Priestess Eraithiel," he said to her.  "If you would have it, we could ride forward now, and leave this land. Though I admit, I am loathe to ride on one of these... boats," The words had been his brothers suggestion again. That humility and the admittance of a fear would be something she would treasure, at least to some extent an find common ground with. The whole act ground on him unbearably, but he supposed there were worse things that he could have done.  His riders had stopped a ways back, watching silently. They were disciplined men, and though out of earshot they would run their mouths, while in the presence of these ones, they knew to be still and silent.

[Uriel Seraphim]

She supposed he was attractive for a horse. Tall and broad the way her guardians had always been. It was an almost homely connection, as if some small part of his physic reminded her of home, of the mighty oak trees which grew close to the palace walls. He had been a good general as well she supposed, at least, he had yet to die. That was always something. Internally, she shook the thought away; a slight fluttering of her eyelashes. No matter his good qualities, Eriathiel was still far from accepting him as her future king. She could not take this month lightly; her choice would determine the fate of their kingdoms and her people... she would not leave them in the hands of a tyrant, not if her very life depended on it.

The hint of a smile touched her lips then. "I've never been on a boat before," she admitted, "I look to it as a small adventure." She gestured towards the docks and shabby town surrounding them. "Lead the way Prince, my entourage and I shall follow." She did not comment on the fact she did not trust these men at her back as it would be too much of an insult to whatever honor they believed to posses. Besides, if there were to be any sign of danger it would be easier for her to lead an attack from behind rather than ahead of these... creatures. She merely waited for them to lead and led her company to follow closely behind. Truthfully, she'd never even seen a proper boat, merely the small canoes and such her people used to cross the Yllaonri River. It was exciting to be outside the boarders, traversing the land rather than merely observing them in wonderment.

She found her hand lingering on the lute her intended had gifted as they rode to the docks. It was not a long ride, and so she did not allow herself the pleasantry for long. Whoever had crafted it had taken much care with the object, their skills were commendable. She let the instrument go as they reached the docks, staring at the strangely built homes. Those who dwelled within the Kingdom of Lumara lived at one with nature, inside of dead and hollowed out trees, within the clover fields or by the lake. The palace itself was the only structure of difference. When she was little, her father had said it was carved from stars the gods had sent as a reward for their countries brilliant devotion. It was not until many years later she had learnt the palace was made of delicately crafted glass. It was not matter, Eriathiel had always believed there was something magical about her home, despite what it was made of. How she longed to lay within her chamber again, staring up at the twinkling stars above while singing to herself in the darkness.

When she caught sight of the mighty boats Eriathiel's eyes went wide. "They're so big..." she whispered to one of her guards, "how do they manage to stay afloat?"

[DoctorRed]

The centaur prince regarded her for only a moment and made a face at the thought of riding on water. he supposed there were worse things, but the man had never crossed water that was so deep he couldn't make his way across on his powerful legs. This contraption... He was not pleased with it. Not one bit. He and his men took no quarrel with leading their entourage into the town and towards the docks, though most of his brothers would agree that the crossing of water on a boat was far from a natural means and all were unhappy with the development. He supposed that the day had brought him to this moment, so who was he to deny it?

He passed through the small waterfront town with a lingering interest in the people of the town. They were human and stood on two legs, but without wings. He understood it took a great deal of balance to live as such, in a bipedal manner, without extra appendages. He looked them over the way he might animals in the forest. With  respect for their individual power and the way a man might look upon one another. He was nobility, that much was undeniable, but he had the feel about him that he could be more than arrogance and anger and war. To some, there would be those who felt he could be a down-to-earth man and walk among the people without worry, or cause to feel unnerved by the average people. It had won him the support of a lot of villagers, where his brothers kept to themselves, save for the poet, who often ran with the firstborn prince.

He stood at the head of their little pack of trust and spoke to the captain for a few moments before looking down at the boat with unease in his eyes a few moments passed before he threw himself onto the boat and stood hooved upon the churning wooden surface, his knees holding tight against the rocking of the large thing that now lay beneath him. He made a face and then moved aside, to allow the others to follow him on, ignoring the indulgent look on the captains face as he watched them. The men followed suit, carefully making the small jump to bring them beside their general and prince, skittering a bit about at first, displeased by the rocking motions of the vessel. When his men were boarded, the lot of them moved aside to get out of the way for the others, spreading against the opposing rails of the ship, though their eyes moved to linger on the treacherous water below them...

[Uriel Seraphim]

Eriathiel tried her hardest not to stare at these strange creatures inhabiting the docks. She thought they looked strange without wings, as if the most beautiful part of them was missing. She could not imagine being robbed of her wings...

The Faye's horses found mounting the boat a difficult task, disliking the rocky motions of the floating object after having solid land beneath their feet. Eriathiel bent to whisper in her horses ears, patting the large night steeds coat as she made her almost graceful mount onto the boat. "Good girl... such a good girl." Eriathiel cooed into the steed's ears as the others made their way onto the boat. The night steeds of Lumara were brave enough creatures, but if ridden by anyone other than their chosen master were often difficult to handle. It was why Eriathiel had chosen horses rather than wolves or griffins or panthers. Horses may have been slower creatures in some sense, more panicked, but they were also more loyal than other creatures. If one were to try and steal her horses, the Faye would be instantly alerted.

Eriathiel had no fear of the waters; there was no oncoming storm to unsettle their voyage and even if there had been, between her and her fellow elementalist's no harm would come to the boat. Eriathiel dismounted her horse, handing her reins over to one of the guards before running to the front of the boat. She wished to watch their travels first hand. She stood at the very bow of the boat, dangling around the mermaid figurehead. For a moment, concern colored a face or two of her companions, but it was a momentary lapse of judgment. Their princess would not be harmed by the waters, even if her wings to get wet and she could not longer fly; the winds were not excluded from her control.

Eriathiel glanced back to note the disgruntled appearance of her betrothed. She smiled, her own horses were not too fond of the water either and Eriathiel could understand his reluctance.  "It is not a long journey my Prince, merely a few hours to cross the river. No harm will come to us on the water, I can guarantee it." She turned back to the waters, closed her eyes against the gentle winds and breathed in the deep rich scent of this wide river. "I would have though you to consider such a simple journey to be trivial." She relaxed then, as if whatever tension had been held in her tiny frame was called by the flowing elements.

[DoctorRed]

Takardh watched her handling the horse with some interest. He wondered idly how he should feel about them riding such mounts around them. It was necessary, but he'd known some centaur to take offense to the horse-riders. There were even fables where gallant centaurs might have let humans or other creatures in danger ride them to safety, but the mixed reaction kept most of those stories from being told too often where noble ears could have heard them. He supposed his brother would know more about it, the poet. There were many tales like that, and he supposed it was only natural that of all the brothers, he was the one know had the least chance to have heard them. Her riding didn't bother him. He'd seen many horses come of the forests and was interested to see the trust between the princess and her horse.

He made his way to the rail and forced himself to peer over the rail as the captain and his crew moved about patiently, casting off lines and rowing them out into the bay, each shove of an oar taking them further and further from the safety of their homes, their countries and more importantly... land. It made him a bit unhappy to be out and away from water in such a manner. Most of his men had moved about and spoken a bit with the crew and one or two had even approached one of the fey to make conversation with them. The Prince turned his eyes on the princess who ran off to hang out, over the treacherous, treacherous water. He turned his eyes upon her once more and tore them away from the terrible liquid prison below to rest them on her.

"As comforting as your words may come, I feel sooner I would have let me and my men pass through another continent to get there, rather than ride a ...boat about the waters like this," he admitted, glancing away from her and out over the great wet expanse around them. He turned his eyes back to her when she turned away. "Trivial? This is hardly a trivial matter, to me." he murmured to himself.

[Uriel Seraphim]

Eriathiel smiled at her Centaur companion, partly at his answer, but mostly because of the hysteria the whole event had put her in. "The waters here would be more traitorous to most I suppose, but you and your men have nothing to fear. You're with the Faye this morning; we will make the waters gentle." True to her word, as they set off into the oceans her Elementalist friends began their reparative but soothing motions to calm the waters beneath. Her friends had urged the princess not to show her powers until certain the Centaurs' could be trusted. They had yet to attack her, but not yet had their proven to be trust worthy. "I would have thought you'd remember our powers my Prince. Our kind are connected to the elements, never could they harm you or yours when connected with my own." It was one of the lures she knew, that her kind could keep him and his own out of bad weather.

But lure or not, it was truth. No other kingdom was so at one with the nature of Carparthia, their planet. If the Centaurs wanted to rekindle all of their crops they would need the help of the Fay. But after so many years of evil and devastation... Eriathiel knew there was only one way to reconnect their kingdoms. She would have to marry and couple with this... this evil horse man. She would have to commit to a life of servitude to this creature, to live under his thumb as her mother had said Centaurs ruled all their women. She hated the idea of being below another, loathed the idea of having to bow to any mans whims. Eriathiel would not be ruled, her spirit simply could not survive it.

"Have you ever seen Seraphina?" Eriathiel asked as the ship began to pick up speed, aided by the currents her fellow elementalist's had created. "Mother said it's quite exquisite, though a bit gaudy for our tastes." Her tone was quite soft, wistful almost. She was anxious to reach Seraphina's lands, and even more so to glimpse it's in habitants. Her father had described them as being of Faye with feathered wings. It had been her inspiration for her clothing, in fact.  A feather from one of the Seraphim was said to hold much healing power, but only if gifted rather than stolen. They had sent many feathers to Lumara before the war began; it was how her tailors had been able to craft such an outfit.

Eriathiel climbed higher to sit atop the mermaid figurehead; taking her position with an elegant grace that suggested she may fall at any given moment should she suffer some unexpected motion. It was not so however, the Faye were well balance creatures. She was delicate when taking off her robe, curling it around her arms as she allowed her wings to flutter against the morning sun. "It's quite beautiful, don't you think?" she asked her centaur. Perhaps it was best to attempt a try at building some kind of understand, "I understand it's perhaps not your favorite view," she said after a moment, "but it is quite beautiful to see the sky kiss the seas."

[DoctorRed]

The centaur watched her and felt himself wondering if life with her could possibly work out. The things she said were like what his brother often said. It was all... nonsense to part of him, but another part of him wanted something like what she spoke of. To see his crops and people happy, and healthy. Was his burden so great that for their sake he couldn't bare it? He wasn't sure. Her words... they were bordering on the fantastic, and it was maddening for her to be telling the truth at the same time. He was a masterful man with a weapon or a battalion at his command, but here he stood, powerless before her. Were these people the ones who resisted him when he rode over them? The ones whose forest had weathered even his flames, that had ruined so much? "It is a great courage you have in yourself, to believe the world so mastered. Can you really calm the storms?" he asked, watching her with a mute wonder  if she'd fall in. He liked to think he could get her out, but common sense told him he'd never be able to do such a thing, not as a centaur.

But how could even they come to love him and know him as king? He knew that his men would try to behave and be still when they were ordered, but their people were bred to hate one another? What future could their marriage serve, but to wait for every single strife between them to tear their world apart. No world made of grass could stand a flame, no matter what fresh grass or thick blades were used. Flames would lick at it at first, and the grass would hold, until finally it dried out, and it was demolished by the flames. He sighed softly at the thought and looked to her as he moved closer, even if the steps his hooves took were steps in futility, He had to try.

"Seraphina I have never seen, and never really learned about until our parents sent us here. I am eager to know their people, I understand they are like angels," he told her, leaning on a rail as he looked out at the sight she pointed out to him. "It's not that the sea scares me so much as I feel an adequate amount of terror at the prospect of falling into the ocean. I feel that  you would feel the same, would only that you were Centauri, and not a Faye. You may know this, but we cannot swim great distances. When a map borders with water, it is a border we cannot cross, save for a bridge... or ... well, a boat, really." he said, his hoof giving an audible click as if to accentuate his point.

The sea kissing the sky was indeed a gorgeous thing to behold. He felt his heart leap a bit as he saw her climbing about, but better sense told him not to call her down from there. She would be fine if she got wet, not like him. He reminded himself of this as he stood, looking along the ocean silently for a while, wondering at the possibilities. Could this marriage, should it work, end their parents war? He wasn't certain, but there was a lot of hope in his brothers eyes when he looked up to him. He had to try. "It is more than beautiful. It is an astounding sight to see. I can say honestly that I never thought I would see such a thing in my life."

[Uriel Seraphim]

She laughed a little at his statement. "We have not mastered the world Prince, it has mastered us. We are not rulers of the planet, we are at one with it and if Carparthia wishes to withhold power from us then she can do so easily." She sighed and let her fingers trail over the carved mermaid below her. "We invoked protection for that which will do her a great benefit. Carparthia has protected us for our devotion and will continue to do so until we either no longer need it or she sees no further use for us." She looked up at the skies. "Yes, the most powerful of us can calm any storm, but only with good reason." She looked at her intended then and cocked her head to the side, "for now, to calm a storm we would be protecting two future rulers with the power to end a devastating war that has done nothing but damage Carparthia's powerbase. Why would she deny us such abilities?" it was a question she did not believe could be answered.

Eriathiel stretched to rest a delicate hand on his shoulder, light enough for him to shake away should he wish to. "If you or one of your men were to fall into the water we would pull you out. There are thirteen of us, surely enough strength to pull a Centaur from the waters. " she assured him. Eriathiel took back her hand and gazed out at the oceans once again. "I have as much reason to fear the waters as you do Centaur. If our wings become wet we become too heavy to fly." She admitted weakly, "But I trust my friends would help me should that happen. It is their job after all."

Eriathiel had never been sure how to feel about that. There were moments when she felt her relationship with her people was based more on status than mutual love and respect. It was not a subject she liked to dwell on. She did not spend much time with people on a personal level; she never truly had time to. The duties of a Priestess and Elementalist were too many for the young Faye to have time to spare. She wondered how much that would change when she became Queen. And if it did change, whether or not she would have more or less time for herself and the few people she truly loved.

Her smile was both true and jubilant as she looked upon her centaur. Had he truly said that? Felt the waters to be beautiful? "Indeed... I never thought I'd see the outside of our forests honestly," Eriathiel inhaled deeply and let out the scent in a contented sigh, "I do hope to see more of the world before returning home. It is my second greatest hope for the future."

[DoctorRed]

Her words were just like his brothers. He supposed it was his own simple-mindedness that burdened him in conversations like these as he listened to her, wordlessly at first and felt his body stiffen as she reached out to him. He understood the concept that Carparthia was a living entity to an extent and that their magic was based on giving and taking from the planet based on their need, or what they saw as would benefit the planet as such. He supposed it made sense, in a strange sort of way, but it was still an elusive concept to him. Maybe after a time, he could have her explain it in greater detail as he watched her. "Truly, there may be no greater a cause for the planet, but do you... Eriathiel," he began but the words caught and he bit down the words, shuddering at the thought of saying them to her.

He felt glad that they would retrieve him or one of his brothers. It was a comforting feeling though he wasn't like to test it out any time soon.  Her words were soothing to the quaking in his gut, and her touch... He wondered if that was what he could expect form a lovers touch, gentle but soothing. He raised an eyebrow, curious at her words. "Truly? I always supposed that water would be a problem, but I never imagined that your wings would actually become so heavy. " he said, his eyes and face suddenly very apprehensive of her position on the carved figurehead and worried about her falling, though he felt that her confidence should allay him more so.

"Your second greatest... And should I assume that our month together should be your greatest?" he asked, watching her and turning to face her wholly as they were there on the rocking boat, as he watched her. The wind drew his hair aside but it didn't hinder him. Under the cover of the wind, he asked her. "Do you think that a marriage between our two people will truly bring the world peace, and not more strife? Do you honestly believe that our people could live in harmony, only because our marriage were successful?  What if there there were strife in us? Would the effects not be felt tenfold in our kingdom, and rip apart the fabric it was built on? I fear for any such union, that would be a false peace, where the war would break out as soon as one of us felt any anger or sorrow. Can you trust your heart to someone like me, and hope that your people wish you well? It feels t me that any peace we achieve would be a temporary one, if it were only a marriage. Just a calm in the storm, if our only hope is to wed."

[Uriel Seraphim]

"In a manner of speaking," she said, "My greatest wish is to see my people happy again." Her face lost all signs of happiness then, "They are tired of our war, tired of being confined and limited in their search for knowledgeable enlightenment. Every day, I feel as if a little more of their spirit, their fire is slipping away..." she was quiet then, staring out at the oceans as if thinking about things deeper than most could contemplate. "I admit," Eriathiel said after a long pause, "I am growing weary of war as well." She sighed, "If this does not work out my Prince, I fear we will both be dead by the end of this summer."

She pondered his long question. "I do not think whether we are truly happy or not makes much difference." She said earnestly, "What matters is that the Kingdoms believe we are unified. It only takes a small act of kindness to lay to rest a world of hurt. If the people can see two of their leaders, two people they look up to, and believe them to be in love... it would be difficult for them to hold true to the preconceived notions we have of one another." She glanced back at their companions then, "Our people only know that we are to be civilized this month, and already they seem to be conversing quite pleasantly." It was when one of the centaurs and her guards threw their heads back in laughter that Eriathiel let a deep heartfelt smile break loose. "All things worth doing are hard and I do not imagine that our task will be easy on any level my Prince. We will face many hardships if we are to be wed. But the hardships our countries would face should we not wed would be greater. I do not wish to see my Kingdom raped by your soldiers, nor would I imagine you would enjoy watching my inflicting the elements themselves upon your Kingdom in order to bring it crumbling down around your very head." She looked at him then. "I have my own qualms about this marriage Centuar and I have doubts as to whether or not my heart could survive it. But it is for my people that I must at least try. For those who saw the war began, I have little hope. But the youngest of us and those yet to be born will grow into a world of peace rather than of fear and death. Isn't that alone a reason to try?"

She held her hand out to him then, the smallest of cautious smiles curving their way across her lips. "Let us at least try to find a way of tolerating one another. If not for ourselves, then for what we may accomplish."

[DoctorRed]

He nodded at the wisdom in her words as he pondered her notions carefully and tilted his head, pondering their meaning as they rocked along the fearsome ocean. "Neither of our people can live without the other. I have seen that myself traveling to meet you here, and learning of the strife just surviving as half a land has put upon us. There are many who will die if we do not wed, and even if we do, many may be too far gone for us to save. Some of these people I have known since I was just a foal and traveled about with my father and mother before she passed away." he confided softly as he watched the ocean swirl past before looking to her again.

He took her palm in his with both his hands and laid one atop hers, his eyes on hers. "There is nothing I would like more. I will try to be open to your... ways. And at least a bit more civilized so you may at least learn to tolerate me," he told her. "However, there was something else, I wanted to speak of with you. If you think this is going to be too much, you needn't flee immediately," he said, his hooves shifting slightly as he spoke, his voice lowering.

"It is not my place to suggest it, but ..." he paused and glanced about a bit. "If there is a problem throughout  this month, and you feel you cannot wed me in truth, we should wed anyways and show a face to the public of happy, to unite our people regardless. If it would last only a month, I will see to it myself that one of my own men cut me down in our bed, and you will be spared my presence for the rest of your life. You needn't' share my bed if it is loathsome by months end, but I will not lead another attack. I have seen my people and I know your people only in word and by battle. Neither side can win a war if it continues, and the peace that it gets for this month will be a peace that never should have been needed so dearly. If you can swear by the months end to protect my people as you would your own, I will lay down my life when the time comes, and be gone from you," he told her. He hated to admit it, but it was the only way he knew to make peace. With a death that meant the end of era. He turned and made to go, letting her hand fall free of his. "I would sooner lay down my life for this lie, than live through another battle. Think on this, Princess Eriathiel."

[Uriel Seraphim]

  "We have survived for three decades Takardh; we have proven that we can survive as two parts of a whole. But if we were to become one nation we would no longer seek to only survive, we would seek to thrive together. I know your people are a warrior breed, and with my kind at your backs you would be unstoppable. My own wish to create a perfect harmony on Carparthia. With you by our sides, no darkness could overshadow that dream." She massaged her thumb over the back of his hand then, "If the sun and the moon were to collide, the world would end." She lifted his hand to lay flat against her own, "But if we work together, follow one another as the greater objects governing our sky do, we could be powerful beyond imagining." At that she threaded their fingers together, a soft smile spreading across her lips as she enjoyed the feel of his warmth surrounding her hand.

Her face saddened as a strong hand squeezed her very heart. She brought his hands to her mouth and kissed them tenderly. "I am sorry for your loss Takardh. It is a terrible thing to lose ones family." A sad smile caught at the side of her lips, "I am the only child of my parents who has yet to survive, and my mother... she has grown quite ill. Father believes it is a mixture of the stresses from child birthing and war mixed with our changing destinies. He believes she is passing in order to gift me her thrown..." it was not a kind thought, but one her father had made sure she was not ignorant to. It was how the Faye had always been, once a child had proven themselves capable of taking over for the King and Queen... the previous rulers passed away. She had known it would happen, but Eriathiel was loathed to admit it would happen so soon.

Her pointed ears twitched at his words, as if readying herself to flee.  But once he spoke, relief flooded through her. "I had resigned myself to that fate before I arrived, dear Prince. I did not want to, I even planned an escape route. But deep down... I know my duty is more important than happiness could ever be." She said with a sad smile. "I need not think on it." Her face turned determined then. "My parents have insisted on its urgency, and I shall admit, though it shames me, I expected you and your companions to be much less tolerable than you have been so far. Truth be told, I expected a fight to break out before we even reached the docks." She laughed quietly to herself then, "I suppose the tails my people tell me are much more exaggerated than is true. Though, our evils in battle have truly been as loathsome as your own." She looked away from him then, her determination turning dark and angered in a sense, as if reliving the battles she had fought. "I am loathed to ask... but... have you not felt my power in battle? Have the winds not smashed against your company, the ground beneath your feet quake. Have the waters not chocked your warriors and have you not felt fire scorch your flesh as you tried to break through our forests? Do the animals themselves not attack your kind the closer you come to our Kingdom? That is my power Takardh Ridarc, and that was merely my defense tactics. I should warn you in advance not cross me or my kind dear Prince, for as willing as I am to protect your people once we wed, I will feel no heart break at seeing your body limp before me... not yet at least." Eriathiel knew her words were harsh and it likely did more damage than good, but she knew these men were creatures of battle. Perhaps if he could not love her, he could at least respect the power she did hold. If he could not care to look upon her, she hoped he could know well enough not to renege upon their vows once the time came to take them.  Her voice was softer now, once she let out a sigh and turned her eyes back upon this Centuar "I do not tell you this to anger or threaten, merely to make sure you understand that though Lumara, as a nation, wishes to see the end of war, we will not hesitate to end the lives of those who endanger our own. We will not forgive betrayal a second time, my Prince. I cannot allow it."

She blushed a deep shade of crimson then. "As for coming to your bed... I do not know how to answer you. My parents expect us to birth an heir to both Kingdoms; for they believe only then will we all be connected as one mighty nation. But I..." she looked away from him, "I still hold my purity, I have never so much as kissed a man romantically... And truth be told, I do not know if we truly can... mate... as a normal couple does at least.  I think I am too..." she looked up at him then, a shy smile shakily in place, "too small."

Eriathiel sighed,"Once this month is ended, I think I would like to bring you to my Kingdom. I think you would be surprised to see what it is you have fought so hard to take from us, and it would do the people of Lumara good to see you and your companions as more than the monsters which threaten our home. I think... I think if you could walk amongst them as you did the people of the docks... I think then they would understand our cause. And to have you stand beside me as I speak to them, as I lead them in prayer and have them see that you are not as brutal as we have believed... I think that will make them change their minds. At the least, it will make them rethink things a little."

She looked back to their still entwined hands then, the softest smile gracing her lips, "When the fires are doused, only ash remains. But in time, from that ash will burst forth a mighty phoenix, and all that is meant to be shall be, and it shall be glorious in triumph. The war is the fire, our people the ash. In time, we will become the phoenix." She said, conviction and faith in her childhood fables clear in her voice. She smiled gently at her companion, "I believe, if we work together, we can build an Empire more powerful than anything Carparthia has ever seen. Together, I think we can succeed."

[DoctorRed]

"Truly, I have seen the strength of your people though I know that the forces you control may as well be your own. For all our power and all our strength, no army can go unbidden in your home, just as no group of fey could hope to stand unchallenged on our fields and plains. The world that could be created by our joined forces would be a world that was free of the strife our two kingdoms are enduring now. But I realize, it is a lot for two people to bear on their shoulders." he said as he looked out across the waters and turned his eyes upon her and laughed softly, the first laugh he'd laughed with her and reached back to unclasp the chestplate and tug it down, revealing the brand that had been scorched into his chest.

"I don't know how to find a mage by their works, but I know that a fey did this to me," he said, laying the gilded armor on the deck and laying his palms on his bare chest, the revealed scarring a warped version of the sun, where his armor had been heated and forced against his chest in a brand. It looked healed well enough, but the skin itself looked as though it was never going to change back. A sun-shaped scar, there in the center of the Sun-prince. How ironic his men had found it, until in his agony he'd threatened to tear out some tongues to the next jape. His eyes were distant as his fingers rolled along the flesh and his mouth fell silent with his mind a thousand miles away, back in the outskirts of the forest, where it had happened.

"It is true, we have wounded each other in ways that may never heal, and there are things no one can forgive in this world. Our war has brought too much pain and suffering to the kingdom. My kingdom is like my body is now. It was strong, but strength is only a good as it's intent, and so proud was it in it's strength it will never forget it, even if my people dwindle to one and the last survivor must flee his home. I believe that such a world would still know him by the sign of Terra, but that future would be an end as well. A sad end, but one outcome, just as all the others."

He flushed a bit at the thought of mating as he drew his breastplate back into his palms and looked down at the sun-shape that it wore. Curiously close to where the last one had been but it never stopped him from bearing the weight of the crest over his heart. He wondered at her words and felt his head turn as his tail and ears flicked at the thought of it. "I don't truly know much on the subject. I understand that it's... possible, and there are many stories in our libraries, but I have yet to have... read them," he admitted. "I am not the centaur to ask of such things, unfortunately, my princess."

"When this month is ended, I will with you go to your kingdom, as your husband or your prisoner, to see your people. I must know. I must see your kingdom before I die, I feel. For some reason, the words and tales of the wonders of it ring in my heart and head. One day, I feel I shall look upon it and weep for ever having wanted less for it than prosperity. I think that our marriage was a splendid idea, and a great end to a terrible war. But I wonder." he added, turning to look upon her again. "You told me of your powers, the pain you think may have been caused." Absently, a palm brushed his chest as he spoke. "Can you ever forgive me, Eirathiel. In the dark of night, will my form not truly terrorize you? Can you say for truth that just being in close proximity does not make your heart quake as you have caused the world to quake?"

[Uriel Seraphim]

Eriathiel sighed, "Yes my Prince, it is a heavy burden." She looked to him then, eyes sad and hair windblown. "I would not take away your freedom to chose a wife if it was truly my decision to make, but it is not my choice to make. We have an opportunity, all I can say is that I'm willing to take it if you are."

When she glimpsed his burn mark, Eriathiel's eyes went wide. She reached forward subconsciously to touch the scared flesh, tracing the pattern as if entranced in its beauty. "I would say I am sorry... but it suits you. It... it is as if your Kingdom has been burned into your very flesh." She took her hand away then, and cradled it against her chest as if she could still feel the scars silky texture. "Its unique."

Eriathiel frowned and looked back out at the sea when he spoke. She did not like to think of such things, "If I could not, it would not matter. We have a duty, my Prince, and I've already made clear happiness does not top my list of necessities." She sighed when she looked back at her companion, "My father has said for many years that a marriage depends more upon friendship that love. If we can at least be friends, I can survive it... but what of you? Will you not be frightened every moment I get angered you will burn with my fury again? Do you not fear that you will come to hate my nature, Prince?"

"If you were to be taken as prisoner we could not allow you to leave once entering the Kingdom. We do not usually take prisoners, but if we were to you would not likely be killed... but once you entre our home you would be ours to keep." She smiled, "We do not wage war if it can be avoided, but we do have training grounds, armories, elemental tutors... I think if you were given no other choice, you could be happy there." She laughed, "Orc's could be happy there I bet, once they got used to the light."

"I hope to see Terra one day," she said absent mindedly, "I think... I think I would like to heal your crops myself. I believe... perhaps, it would help your people see me as something more than your enemy. I think I would rather be known by your people as the woman who healed your crops, rather than the one who withered them to begin with." Truthfully, she had not been the one to wither his kingdoms crops. She had not been there in person, but she had seconded her father's command and asked Carparthia on his behalf for her help. She was as guilty a creature as any.

"But enough talk of maybes. Perhaps, when we reach Seraphina we should speak of our plans for the future. I will send word to my father that by this time we are in agreement at least. It will set my mothers mind at ease..."

[DoctorRed]

"This brand I have worn since the day I earned it and even still, though the scars might not have been so terrible, I fought on with the blood and the burning flesh about me, ignoring the pain for my people. It is good that you like it, I was afraid for a time that you might find it... even more displeasing," he admitted, letting her touch it, though his body stiffened to the touch and he held still, as though worried she'd grow mad and tear it off with her fingers some how. It wasn't how he felt. Inside, his body was raging, confused at the touch, wary of the closeness, but not too wary. He let her feel to her hearts content and then watched her pull away. "I fear nothing but the days to come after us, the pain that children of our marriage and not our loins might otherwise endure. If you find me to be a man you can no longer suffer as he lay together, or apart, and decide to try to burn me, I will not go down without a battle, but I will welcome the challenge, so long as we live, Eriathiel." It was the greatest compliment a warrior had. To meet a friend in battle in earnest, rather than he might otherwise a friend. He smiled at the words, pleased to have shaken his head. "Your nature sounds to me like it is much like your people. If I were to loathe your people so, I would never be able to wed with you. "

"Imprisonment by your people would not be so bad. I could live in the forest, I suppose. I would have only the wish to learn to read and write again. Then I could tell my brother of the things I have seen, the stories I have learned. With that, I could live in harmony wherever, and endure peace. That is the way of all warriors, at the heart of things," he explained. 'They are quick to battle, but the true warrior is not a brawler who notches arrows or unsheathes a sword without a dream of peace in his heart. It's a hard path, to endure peace after a warriors life, but it is the dream that all crave. The world itself craves it, does it not?"

He leaned against the rail as he watched her and shrugged his shoulders. "Then Terra you shall have. If it pleases you, we can visit every village and every hold fast between every castle and your hands can be the one who lift up the weak and starving, once our banners are one," he told her. "My sword is good, but one day I hope my pen will be as impressive in the heat of the night, rather than in the cold darkness." he said, looking back to the oceans. The crops were withered and dying, many of his people starving. It was chaos at home, and the trade was slowing due to their cutting off the Lunar kingdom. The grace period was helping, but even now, he'd only days ago seen the weakened and weeping nation as he crossed the plains.

He turned to return to his men, some of whom were talking to the fey, a soft smile crossing his lips as he clasped his breastplate back on his chest and stood firm on the rocking ship. He'd grown used to it, it seemed, but he was still wary of the deck. "I would like that. We can discuss everything there. It'll be a short month to make up for a lifetime, but better than nothing, I suppose," he said to her. "Yes, I will send a similar message to my father. I may... if it's not too much bother, could you help me write it?" he flushed a bit. "None of my men are scribes and... well, one does lack for fancy words, in war."  he tried to explain, glancing away, a bit embarrassed.

[Uriel Seraphim]

At his statement, she felt shamed, "I loathed you before we met." She admitted. "I had thought... I had thought you would be less..." she glanced up at him then, searching for the words she truly wanted to use, "civilized perhaps? Understanding... honorable..." Eriathiel blushed, "beautiful..." She would not meet his eyes then, merely glanced over her shoulder at their people, watching their carefree spirits. "It seems my companions believe the same." One of her closer friends, a young Priestess stood beside a tall chestnut colored Centuar, giggling at whatever joke he had said, the who standing closer than was truly acceptable. Eriathiel smiled, 'how sweet'...

"That vile of water will only heal so much my prince. If we can survive this month I will send my people back to the Kingdom to retrieve enough to heal what we have destroyed. It should not take them more than a few days. You see, we could heal the earth, but without something to force the natural growth of your crops, I do not know if they will flourish in time for you and your men to eat upon our return." Eriathiel sighed and began to fly upwards. She did not do so for long, merely hovered over the figurehead before allowing herself to sink down and stand before her intended.

"We have many tutors in Lumara, if you would like, I'm sure the palace scholars would offer to teach you whatever it is you wished. Our libraries are free for all too use, and the schools are hardly limited by age." She smiled, to merely ask her for help showed he was not too proud to trust her, "I would be glad to, though it will have to be written in Common. I do not believe I know the language of the Centaurs any better than you would know the language of Faye." There were people who spoke their tongues in Lumara, interceptors who often attempted to hunt down those who dare send word back and forth between Terra and the warriors near her boarders. Eriathiel's Tutors had not believed it important in the beginning; they had not believed she would ever leave their home let alone meet a Centuar face to face. They had not been bothered with teaching her a language they thought would one day die out.

Eriathiel smiled up at her intended then, "I think introductions are in order Takardh. I'll introduce you to mine if you introduce me to yours." She grinned then, "It should be good practice for the future, no?"